Chivite Pago de Arinzano 2001

A super charged, super concentrated wine that has just been awarded Pago status, Spain’s highest level classification and as Chivite’s winemaker and president Fernando Chivite puts it “In order to attain Pago status, you need to demonstrate that you have a particular terroir and the wines have a track record of excellence”. Having tried this it reminded me of a cross between a 1st growth Pauillac, a Burgundy Grand Cru or a gran Bussia Barolo, in reality it was none of them, it had its own personality and charisma. Very young at the moment, however you can tell that it was built to last, beautifully layered with masses of ripe fruit, soft caressing tannins and an unbelievable middle palate, expressive and persistent, wonderful purity and pinpoint accuracy. For those wanting to experience a First Growth quality Bordeaux without wanting to pay the price, this is for you, try a bottle and ideally cellar it for 10-15 years.